Is your loved one suffering from a drug problem or is it something you can do to help them? It doesn’t matter if it’s illegal drugs or prescription medication. You can’t force anyone into quitting using drugs. However, there are ways that you can support their recovery.
Drug abuse and addiction can have devastating effects on loved ones and friends
Witnessing someone you love suffer from a substance abuse disorder can be very distressing. It can also cause a lot of emotional and mental damage. It doesn’t matter whether the drug addict is a family member such as a spouse, parent or child. It can quickly become a major part of your life. You may feel guilt, shame, anger and fear.
There are many things you worry about, including where your loved ones are at any given moment, the risk of them overdosing and what damage they might be doing to their future, health, and home lives. The cost of living, legal costs, and failed attempts to recover from drug and substance addiction could leave you in debt. You might also feel exhausted by caring for loved ones at home and work, as well as having to take on the responsibilities of their addiction.
You aren’t alone, no matter how despairing it may seem. Pew Research Center found that nearly half the Americans had a friend or relative who was addicted to drugs in a 2017 Pew Research Center study. Globally, prescription pain relief and tranquillizers have been in high demand, leading to a public health crisis. (They are also abused more than marijuana.
You can have drug addiction and abuse, whether it is from prescription drugs or recreational drugs. It can effect people from all walks. There are many resources available to help. You can’t force someone into a recovery, but your support, patience, and love can help. You can use these guidelines to help support your loved one, establish boundaries that will protect your health and welfare, and create stability for you and your loved.
Understanding your loved one’s addiction to substances
Many reasons people use drugs can be a variety of. Many people turn to drugs to deal with the emotional pain associated with a mental health issue, such anxiety, depression, and PTSD. This is known as self-medicating. Some people are aware that they have a mental illness but are unable find healthier ways to cope. Other people remain undiagnosed, and may use medication to manage their symptoms.
Some people use drugs to alter their feelings, to make friends, or to relieve boredom or dissatisfaction in their lives. Some people who abuse drugs are the result of a doctor’s good intentions to treat a medical condition. According to estimates, more than 25% of people who have been prescribed opioids for pain relief will abuse the drug.
However, no matter the motivation for your loved ones to use drugs, not all addicts become addicted. Although it’s not clear what causes addiction, there are likely to be genetic and environmental factors. Although one person can use substances without adverse effects, another person quickly develops compulsion or addiction. This is a very dark place from which they may feel helpless.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of drug abuse in a family member
It is not always easy to tell if your loved one is abusing drugs. For teens, the symptoms of drug abuse may often mimic normal teenage moodiness. It doesn’t matter if someone is using drugs regularly or in a certain amount, it’s not something that should be alarming. No matter how often your loved one uses, it is their adverse effects on their daily life that indicate a problem.
Here are some signs your loved ones may be suffering from a substance abuse disorder:
You may experience problems at work, school or at home. They may be more visible, appear higher, or take more time off work or school to compensate. Their school grades and work performance suffer. They neglect their domestic responsibilities and have more difficulty in their relationships. They might lose their job or drop out of school.
You may notice changes in your sleeping schedule. This can cause you to feel tired or run down, lose weight or gain weight, have glassy eyes or bloodshot eyes, forgetfulness, or other cognition issues. Dependent on the drug they are abusing, they might also show symptoms such as frequent sniffing or nosebleeds and shaking.
Changes in their moods and behavior. Your loved one might be more secretive or lie about what they are doing, where they are, or how much. If you try to talk with them about their drug use, they may become angry or lash back. Many heavy drug users lose interest and energy in old hobbies and are more moody, withdrawing, and sad. You may notice a decline in their appearance and hygiene. If you are deprived of your drug, withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Recurring financial problems. A loved one could have credit card debt to pay for drugs, borrow money, or seek loans. They may also steal money and valuables that they can sell to get drugs.
To be aware of drug paraphernalia
The increased presence of drug paraphernalia may help you spot the signs that your loved one is abusing substances.
For drug storage, paper wraps, small pieces or cling films, and tiny plastic bags can be used.
For smoking drugs, you can use rolls of paper, pipes, bongs, pierced plastic bottles, and cans.
Use of heroin may be indicated by the presence of burnt foil, spoons and syringes.
People who abuse prescription medication may be renewing prescriptions more often, or having bottles of medication that are prescribed for someone else.
How to talk to someone about drug abuse
Although it can be difficult to talk with someone about their drug addiction, it is possible. It is also important to show compassion and understanding. No one is trying to become an addict. Sometimes drug abuse is a misguided way to cope with difficult issues or mental health problems. The tendency to become addicted is reinforced by stress. Criticizing, demeaning and shameing your loved ones will only drive them away.
It can be difficult to communicate with someone you care about when they have a drug problem. Talking to a drug user can be complicated because of these strong emotions. You should choose a time when both of you are calm, sober, free from distractions, and can talk. You can offer support and assistance without being judgmental.
Don’t delay. There is no need to wait for your loved ones to reach rock bottom. The sooner you treat an addiction, the better.
Your concerns should be expressed honestly Express your concern honestly. Give examples of the drug-related behaviors that concern you and be open about your own feelings.
Listen. Even if you don’t agree, listen. If your loved one can feel heard, they will see you as supportive and someone they can confide.
Be prepared for denial. You should be prepared to accept denial. Many people feel ashamed when they are confronted about their drug use and may try to deny it. You don’t have to argue with them.
Don’t try to threaten, bribe, punish, or lecture the user. Failing to get angry or to make emotional appeals to someone will only lead to guilt for the user and increase their need to use.
Expect multiple conversations to resolve the issue. This is likely to be the first conversation you have about your loved ones’ drug use. There is no quick way to overcome addiction. You may need to have several conversations with them before they acknowledge that they have a problem. That’s the first step to getting on the path to recovery.
Instigating an intervention
A last-ditch effort to get someone to admit they need help, staging an intervention is a common tactic. An addict can be angry at a group, or feel like their loved ones have ganged on them.
It’s crucial that all involved come from the same place, empathize and have compassion when you organize a family meeting. This is not the place to vent your frustrations over an addict’s behavior, or make them feel shameful or bullied. The problem is the addiction itself, not the addict.
Supporting a loved-one’s recovery from addiction
There is no single solution for overcoming addiction to drugs. It can be difficult and time-consuming. Although you can offer support and encouragement to your loved one, you cannot force them into making changes. Your loved one should be able to take responsibility for their choices and behavior. This is a crucial step in their journey to sobriety.
Expectations should be adjusted. Every person is unique. One person might need to abstain completely from drugs in order to recover. One person may need to cut back on or stay drug-free for another. Be too rigid with your expectations and you could cause disappointment in your loved one’s life.
Encourage your loved one or friend to seek assistance. Although some people can quit drug addiction on their own, others need support and help. Assist your loved one by sitting with them while they call a helpline.
Address any co-occurring issues. Your loved one will continue to have the same issues that caused them to use drugs in the first instance. They’ll need to look for better ways to deal with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety if they resort to using drugs to treat them. They must address their addiction as well as their mental health problem simultaneously to ensure long-term success.
You can help your loved one plan for triggers or cravings. Your loved one must learn how to deal with their drug cravings and triggers. They can be distracted by other activities or encouraged to learn how to overcome the urge. But ultimately, it is their responsibility to stay sober.
Encourage them explore new interests. Giving up drugs can give your loved one a lot more time. You can help your loved one avoid falling back into old addictions by encouraging them to pursue new interests. These aren’t necessarily related to drugs, but they will add meaning and purpose to their life. For example, volunteering, pursuing a new hobby, enrolling into a class or going on a hike or camping trip. Anything that doesn’t create a trigger for them to use.
Accept the possibility that you will relapse. Relapse can happen, despite your best efforts and your loved ones’ best intentions. Encourage your loved one to try again, and encourage them to recommit. Keep your patience. You can help your loved one learn from past mistakes and find a better way to move forward.
Options for treatment
The treatment can be done at home, in a hospital outpatient or in a residential facility. Although it will depend on the type of drug they are addicted to, their age, as well as any other issues, most treatment plans include these elements:
To cleanse the body of drug residue, manage withdrawal symptoms, and reach stability
Treatment of any co-occurring mental disorders.
Counselling can be either individual, group, family, or combination therapy to tackle the root causes of drug use and find better ways of coping.
Treatment for withdrawal and co-occurring disorders with medication
To keep your recovery on track, you will need to attend regular peer support meetings like a 12-step program.
Setting healthy boundaries
If someone you love is struggling with drug addiction, it can be easy to try and protect them. This is known as “enabling”. You can cover up for your loved one, assume their responsibilities, set their feelings before yours, adjust your life to accommodate them, provide financial assistance, or pay the bills if they get into trouble due to their drug use.
Even though it may appear that you are supporting your loved one, encouraging them will only lead to their addiction. This can also cause harm to your health. Although it is difficult to say no when you love someone, especially if you are a parent, protecting your loved one from the effects of their drug abuse can often mean that they don’t have the motivation to change.
In order to help someone struggling with drug addiction, it is important to set limits and boundaries that define acceptable behavior. Your loved one will never face the consequences of their actions if there are no boundaries. You’ll feel burnt out from the many attempts to justify, excuse or compensate them.
The following could be used to set boundaries for someone you love who is abusing drugs:
You must not allow drug use, paraphernalia, and other drug users to enter your home.
Covering up for them when they miss school or work, not lying to them to get them out, not taking over any responsibilities that they have neglected.
It is important that they pay their rent and other bills on a timely basis.
Refuse to give them money to repay debts, or pay legal expenses if they are arrested.
Respect your dignity and respect others, even when you are at the top of your game.
